I am available for Glasgow 2014 – Bolt

Bolt, who won gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, has been struggling with a foot injury

Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt says he is available to compete at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 27-year-old Jamaican said he was unlikely to take part in an individual event but could run in the relay.

Bolt, who won gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, has been struggling with a foot injury.

“I am available for selection for the Commonwealth Games and have submitted the relevant documentation,” he said.

Bolt is not fit enough to attempt to qualify in the 100m and 200m at the Jamaican Championships this weekend.

“I do not wish to take the place of anyone who qualifies this weekend in an individual event, but am available for relay duty if the selectors feel I can be an asset to the Jamaican team in Glasgow,” Bolt added in a statement on his website.

“I have received lots of requests, invitations and messages of support from my fans in Scotland who are looking forward to a great event.”

Bolt has never raced in the Commonwealth Games, having missed the events in Melbourne in 2006 and Delhi four years ago.

However, speaking at the IAAF Centenary Gala in Barcelona last November, he declared his interest in competing in Glasgow.

“That’s the only title I don’t have, so I think it’s something I’d like to go for, even if I do just one event,” Bolt said.

That event appears likely to be the 4x100m relay. Jamaica took silver behind England in 2010 but, led by Bolt, won the World Championships last year.

The heats of the men’s 4x100m will be held at Hampden Park on Saturday, 2 August, with the final the following evening.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has been lobbying for Bolt to compete.

Peter Murphy, a spokesman for the CGF, said in January: “We’re in constant touch with his management.

“The case we’ll make is that the Games offers an opportunity to break records that have been standing for decades.

“Usain has won medals at every major event, except the Commonwealth Games. He will get an unbelievable welcome. Glasgow will grind to a halt.”

Glasgow 2014 ambassador Sir Chris Hoy echoed that view.

The six-time Olympic gold-medal winning cyclist said: “I think it’s crucial to the success of the Games when the big names turn up and support them.

“It’s still a big deal for them to be Commonwealth champion. I’m sure Usain wants to be here and take the medals back to Jamaica.”